Louisiana – A low-pressure system in the Bay of Campeche is gaining attention from the National Hurricane Center, with a high chance of developing into a tropical depression or tropical storm by midweek. The system, located in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, is currently producing winds of 35-40 mph in the southern Gulf.
As of June 17, 2024, this storm is not likely to hit Southwest Louisiana however, rain is likely and residents should keep an eye on the forecast.
Environmental conditions are conducive to gradual development, and the system is expected to move slowly west-northwestward towards the western Gulf coast. Regardless of whether it develops into a tropical storm, the system is expected to bring heavy rainfall to southern Mexico and Central America, leading to life-threatening flooding and flash flooding.
In addition to the rainfall, gale warnings have been issued for parts of the Gulf of Mexico. Locally heavy rainfall is also expected to spread over Texas and Louisiana by the middle of the week. Interests along the western and northwestern Gulf coasts should monitor the progress of this system, as tropical storm watches and warnings may be required later today or tonight.
To gather more information, an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is currently en route to investigate the system. The National Hurricane Center has given the system a 70% chance of formation within the next 48 hours and a 70% chance of formation within the next 7 days.
Residents in the affected areas should prepare for the possibility of heavy rainfall and strong winds, and stay tuned to local weather reports for updates on the system’s progress.